Sinn Féin calls for deferral of the Welfare Reform bill

Sinn Féin Assembly member and DSD Committee Chairperson Alex Maskey has said
that his party will seek the deferral of the Welfare Bill being placed before
the Assembly on Tuesday

Speaking today Mr Maskey said:

“For some months now DUP Minister Nelson McCausland has been attempting to
bring forward a Bill which will mean that Tory inspired welfare cuts are
imposed on people here. The Bill is flawed, comes from the austerity policies
of the Tory-led coalition and is targeted at the most vulnerable and
disadvantaged in our society.

“It is our view that the Assembly has a duty to stand up for low-income
families and those on benefit who are being directly targeted by many of these
measures. The fact that these measures are being brought forward by the Tory
government and being imposed here is a direct consequence of the Assembly not
having the necessary fiscal powers.

“Sinn Féin will be bringing forward a proposal to the Assembly on Tuesday to
defer the Welfare Reform Bill until significant amendments are made to it.
We will press for fundamental changes to this Bill to ensure the maximum
protections for those on benefits and in low-paid employment”